Anonymous

Inter cover very simple 16 1/4" wide x 19 7/8" long frame cover with 1/4 plywood and cut a hole in the center 1 1/4" x 3 1/2". The common way of doing the hole is to run it long way. We are trying some thing different by running the hole across the short way so we can see more frames when we look down in the hive body and we can also remove strips with out removing the cover in the fall.

Outer cover is simple too. make a frame 18 1/8" x 21 3/4" x 2 1/4" cover the frame with some ply wood most recommend 3/4" stuff then cover it with roof flashing you can buy at a home center lumber yard. Since many people place bricks on theres to keep thm from blowing off I use thinner Ply wood.Sorry these are the best picture I have of an outer cover.

Two of the outer covers in the last picture are plastic and I like them but many local bee keepers don't care for them.

Anonymous

Simply build the frame as I posted above for the outer cover, then figure the pitch you want fasten the sloped boards with flashing to the frame do the gables and then paint or stain the color you wish. :D Al

I've never had a problem with my flat roof collecting rain. But that might be for two reasons :) - 1) my hive is tilted forward slightly, and 2) I used metal sheeting for the top (it is bowed upward slightly - like the top of a bubble). But I think even if the metal sheeting was glued down tight, it still wouldn't be a problem with rain collection because of the hive tilt.

I like the look of the other style roof, and have thought about doing one that way just for variation.

Here are my hives: (you can see one lid isn't as bowed upward - it can collect just a bit of rain)

Anonymous

Rain water shouldn't collect on the roof simply because you are supposed to place the hives on some sort of a stand with a slight slope. That way any moisture that collects inside the hive can drain out too.I think you can see the slope of my hives in the picture I posted.But it is a nice look for a bee hive in the back yard and If I liked the look I would do it and if the winter temps are cold in your area either fill it with insulation or place a flat winter roof on it.This is a hobby bee keepers forum so have fun. :D Al

Here's mine with a top entrance to boot. :) It's 3/4" plywood with a one by two cleat on each end. The plywood is 16 1/4" by 21 1/2". The cleats are 16 1/4" long, but they could be 16" and they would still work. The shims that make the openings I bought, but you can cut cedar shingles down to make them.